If dogs were in charge, National Peanut Butter Day would be celebrated every day! Peanut butter can be a tasty treat for pups and is sure to get tails wagging. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into recipes, peanut butter can be a nutritious option for dogs, as it is packed with healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins that can contribute to a healthy diet.
If your dog is a PB fan, celebrate this tasty day using our recipe inspo below.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE FEEDING YOUR DOG PEANUT BUTTER
Not all peanut butter is created equally. Before sharing it with your pup, always check the ingredient list to be sure it does not contain xylitol, a sweetener toxic to dogs. The safest choice is a natural peanut butter made with simple ingredients, ideally just peanuts, and without added salt or sugars.
Due to its high fat and calorie count, it is also best to serve peanut butter in moderation. As always, get the green light from your vet before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet.
1. SIMPLE BANANA PEANUT BUTTER BITES
In a pinch? Try these quick and nutritious no-bake “BPB” bites.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tbsp of peanut butter
How to make it: Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth. Mix the peanut butter in until thoroughly combined. Spoon small portions onto a parchment paper-lined plate or baking sheet and freeze for one or two hours.
Bonus treat idea: Blend the same ingredients pour into mini cups and freeze for peanut butter ice pops.
2. PEANUT BUTTER APPLE PIE DOG TREAT
Looking to try a peanut butter twist on a dog-safe apple treat? Check out this recipe from Murmurs of Ricotta! Just remember that cinnamon can be great for flavor, but use only a hint, as large amounts can cause digestive upset.
3. PEANUT BUTTER DOG COOKIES
If your dog likes crunchy treats, dog cookies can be a tasty option!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tbsp of honey
How to make it: Preheat your oven to 350° F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the flour and egg into a mixing bowl, then add the remaining ingredients. Mix until you have a combined dough. Roll the dough onto a floured surface until it’s half an inch thick, and use cookies cutters to create fun shapes.
Bake time: 18-20 minutes or until golden brown (take time to set aside to cool before serving)
4. PEANUT BUTTER CUPCAKES FOR DOGS
What better way to celebrate a national day than with cupcakes? Try this recipe from Still Busy Baking! With apples, banana, eggs, peanut butter, and baking powder, you can whip up quick and delicious cupcakes your pup will love.
BRING YOUR DOG TO DOGTOPIA FOR TASTY TREAT DAYS
At Dogtopia, we love incorporating occasional treats into your pup’s daycare visit! Contact your local Dogtopia today to book a visit and find out when your local team’s next treat day is scheduled.
(Photos courtesy of instagram.com/dogtopiatowncentervb/ & instagram.com/dogtopiaharrisonave/)
This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.
